Evening in the Garden in Central Park
The misty weather didn’t keep the social butterflies away from The Central Park Conservancy Evening in the Garden on June 19th .The summer soiree was in bloom in Central Park’s Conservatory Garden on East 105th and Fifth Avenue on the Upper East side of Manhattan. The benefit supports The Central Park Conservancy and the restoration, programs and management of Central Park. Wednesday evening marks The Greensward Circle’s 12th annual Evening in the Garden raising over $100,000 in support of the Conservancy’s mission.
The young philanthropists of the Greensward Circle have a full social calendar through the year with The Annual Skating Party, Bench Painting in Central Park, Hound Hikes, Drawing Class, Volunteer Day in Central Park, Woodland Walk, Lawn Bowling in Central Park, Great Jazz on the Great Hill, Central Park Conservancy Film Festival and Toast to Fall. Greensward Circle Co-Chairs Nicolas D’ Angelo and Lauren Junge networked and socialized with the young professionals and socialites in their summer best.
“The Greensward Circle, much like the people you see every day in Central Park, is a wonderful mix of New Yorkers and people from around the world who come together to meet new friends through their love and support of the Park,” said Nicholas D’Angelo. “I’ve met some of my dearest friends through Greensward and enjoy all the work we do together to keep New York City’s backyard beautiful for everyone to enjoy.”
“Central Park is the heart of New York City,” said Lauren Junge. “It’s where we all go to get away from urban life — to enjoy the outdoors, go for a run, picnic on the lawn, and more! It’s thanks to the Conservancy’s commitment to maintaining the Park that we can truly enjoy this oasis, all year long, no matter the season. Because of this, I am so proud to lead the Greensward Circle in support of keeping everyone’s favorite park beautiful.”
Greensward members are committed to preserving Central Park for future generations through benefits and eco-friendly volunteering. The host committee Alice Cash, Kushal Choxi, O’Neill Dewey, Maximilian Edwards, Alexandra Hancock, Rachel Hunter, Sco Jeffrey, Rebecca Kerns, Joanne Liu, JP Panier, Chelsea Raleigh, Lindzi Rebernik, Chloe Schachter, Courtney Steers, Allie Talavera, Julia Zamorska, Irina Zheleznyak and Marie Zinn pulled off a resplendent summer cocktail party.
The big buzz was on the upcoming historic Belvedere Castle reopening to the public on June 28th. Belvedere is Italian for beautiful view. Visitors will be able to enjoy iconic views of the Great Lawn, Turtle Pond, the Delacorte Theater from the restored terraces and windows of the tower. Central Park co-designers Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux conceived the miniature castle in 1858 as a whimsical open-air structure and lookout tower. Situated atop Vista Rock located near mid-Park Avenue and 79th Street, the Belvedere Castle rests on the second highest point in the park. After a 15 month long restoration, the final comprehensive project cost $12 million and was funded by The Thompson Family.
Under a tented canopying of wisteria, savories, sweets and cocktails were enjoyed by 500 bright young things and their guests. The tasting tables boasted appetizers from New York City’s best restaurants. Summer fare tempted from modern South Asian street food of The MasalaWala Mission, La Chula’s Coctel DeCamaron and ceviche, bruschetta from Italian steakhouse Davios, Angel of Harlem’s lobster ravioli, Ocean Prime’s shrimp cocktail and Georgetown Cupcake Soho mini cupcakes.
The open bars were inviting on each side of the garden. Specialty cocktails were offered from the award-winning Tito’s Handmade Vodka made lethal lemonade, Coppersea Distiller’s Mint Julep, Skurnik Wines & Spirits, Torres Magdala Orange Liqueur, Quinn Rosé, artisanal mezcal Tres Papalote and a refreshing sorbet and Kir Royal. Under the beautiful red wood trees, live swing music was performed by the Sugartone Brass Band with additional tracks by DJ SMA. Surrounded by gorgeous fountains, blooms and lush landscapes in the only formal garden of Central Park, the next gen relaxed under the evening stars.
The Central Park Conservancy is a private nonprofit organization that manages and maintains the beautiful New York City landmark Central Park for all.
